William (Valent) J. Biroscak

Age 91, of West Elmira, passed peacefully at home on 05 June 2010. Bill was born on 24 May 1919 in Jimtown, PA to Vincent S. and Mary (Gavlas) Biroscak. He is survived by his wife, and best friend, of 56 years Lois A. (Huber) Biroscak. His children include Mary M. Biroscak, Watkins, Glen, NY, with her children, Michael, Steven, Paul, James Rhys-Gilroy Shutts, and Jill Dunham; Linda L. Kugelman, Blacksburg, VA, with her children, Virginia, Rebekah, Elizabeth, and John; Anne M. (Fred II) Hauser, Kawkawlin, MI, with children Jeffrey and Jordan Mayer; Patricia L. (Andrew) Murdock, Greensboro, NC and their sons, Rhys and Mason; William H. Biroscak, with his children, Andrew and Barbara; and Elizabeth A. Biroscak, all of Elmira. His surviving siblings are: Cecilia Howe, Elizabeth Scott, Theresa Roob, George, Mary Sahm, Margaret (Jim) Crider, Joanne Egnatowski, Joseph, Catherine Kolb, and Vincent, Jr. (Margaret). He is also survived by brother-in-law Philip (Sylvia) Huber of Corning; sister-in-law Marcia (Edward) Smith of Penn Yan, NY; 6 great-grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, sister Anna, brothers, John and Ronald. Bill served in the U S Navy from 1939 – 1945 as a Radioman. After Pearl Harbor he worked exclusively in the Pacific Theatre aboard the USS Vincennes. After his honorable discharge he relocated to Corning and began working as a Scheduler for Corning Glass Works, Big Flats Plant. Bill was a charter member and instrumental in the formation of the West Elmira Volunteer Fire Department. He was proud to be a fireman…at 83 he answered a call just to serve coffee in his turnout gear. Bill stayed politically involved and worked for various political candidates. He took great pride in his healthy lifestyle and continued to go for daily walks until May. Friends are invited to a graveside service, with military honors, on Friday, June 11, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at Woodlawn National Cemetery. Following the graveside service all are invited to West Elmira Fire Department Hall for a reception with the Biroscak Family. A Memorial Mass, for Bill, will be held Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at Mount Saviour Monastery.

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Dr. Rupik and Hospice; to Paula, Toni, Mary, Owanda, Melanie, Christie, Audry – and every other caregiver that helped Dad maintain his life at home. In memory of William, please donate to a charity of your choice.

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